Back in February, Panama celebrated the coming of Lent about one week before with a
"Carnaval" Carnival . Panama’s typical Carnaval is not very exciting at least to me. Although most people identify Panama with the canal, it is the colorful interior of the country that defines Panamanian roots and where people return in droves to celebrate Carnaval. It so hot in Panama that one does not mind being hosed down with water in the daytime as tanker-sized trucks spray the screaming crowds in the equatorial heat. In the evenings, there are fireworks, parades, and outdoor dance clubs. We went to the Carnaval in Dolega - a half hour drive from Boquete -there was not much going on because the party ended early Sunday afternoon, unfortunately there was not much to see. We did not see games or rides for children, food stands, or any place to sit down.
I had read articles and heard in other towns it is pretty much the same thing but in Las Tablas in the Province of Veragua it is the place to be for Carnaval in Panama. The queen is chosen by how elaborate her float - the gaudier the better. It is based on material purchases made by her sponsors, some of these items could be luxurious car, clothes, etc.
The height of these festivities take place on Carnaval Tuesday ‐ Queens Day ‐ and ends in the early hours of Ash Wednesday with a ritual known as "El Entierro de la Sardina" ‐ a Burial of the Sardine. This ritual originated in the mid 19th century by students from Madrid who formed a funeral cortège (presentation) presided by a sardine symbolizing the start of fasting and abstinence on Ash Wednesday. In Trinidad and Tobago however, all the festivities end at midnight in preparation for Ash Wednesday’s religious services.
Easter Week or Holy Week just ended in Panama it is a very serious religious holiday here, known as “Semana Santa.” It is unlike Easter in the United States, Canada, or Europe, which is family oriented with Easter eggs, bunnies, etc.
Semana Santa is one of the most important weeks of the year in Panama. Traditionally many are in a very reflective somber mood, with events and processions take place at churches throughout the country. Since the closing of some businesses begin on Holy Thursday, it is also the beginning of a long holiday weekend. One cannot purchase liquor anywhere in Panama from Wednesday midnight until Saturday or midnight Sunday in some towns. There is also very little TV, radio, loud music is illegal, drinking in public is not permitted, loud disco music is not tolerated during this period additionally many of the bars and dance clubs are closed.
In Boquete as throughout Panama “Semana Santa” begins with Palm Sunday and a weeklong of events. In the Boquete the town’s only Catholic Church, St. John the Baptist may events taking place each day with early morning and early evening services. Since I am still in a cast and walking with the use of my trusty crutches I still cannot walk a great distance and would have loved to walked in the processions. Even though the doctor said, I can now walk on my healing foot “poco a poco” I decided it would not be a “good thing” to do.
This past Saturday while driving around town I noticed alters on the side of front doors on some homes. Then I remembered reading processions of the Stations of the Cross would take place Saturday evening and they were taking part of the procession. Some stations were small while others very large and beautifully decorated with flowers. Unfortunately, I did miss this procession but was able to take a few good photos.
As I post this article, the Boquete “Feria de Orquideas” (Orchid Festival) is taking place. I will be posting this event as well.
“Poco a Poco”
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